BSc (Hons) Brewing and Distilling (Heriot-Watt)

This course is aligned with BSc (Hons) Brewing and Distilling at Heriot-Watt University. The programme allows students to complete a two-year HND Industrial Biotechnology at Forth Valley College’s Falkirk campus, then progress to year three of the degree at Heriot-Watt University. Students benefit from the teaching and facilities of the College and the University.

The two-year HND Industrial Biotechnology course aims to support students to gain skills and knowledge in industrial biotechnology. The HND develops the study of biology, chemistry and process engineering in an industrial biotechnology context. Year three and Year four information is included in the Course Content section below. 

The Heriot Watt University course, BSc (Hons) Brewing and Distilling, is designed to educate potential managers of the malting, brewing and distilling industries and to provide a full understanding of the science and technology of the processes involved, from cereal farming to bottling and packaging. The programme has been developed in co-operation with senior representatives of the brewing, malting and distilling industries who are members of the Education Board of the International Centre for Brewing and Distilling. Graduates have detailed knowledge and understanding of science and technology, along with the practical skills to become leaders within the food and drink sector. More info can be found on the Heriot-Watt page here.

Accreditation

Institute of Brewing and Distilling (IBD) offer honours graduates the opportunity for exemption from the Diploma in Brewing or Diploma in Distilling, should they later in their career, wish to undertake the Master Brewer or Master Distiller qualification through the IBD.

Content

Year One - HND Industrial Biotechnology

  • Microbiology
  • Biotechnology
  • Biochemistry
  • General Chemistry
  • Physical Chemistry
  • Inorganic Chemistry
  • Organic Chemistry
  • Maths for science 1
  • Statistics for science 1
  • Lab Skills
  • Graded Unit 1

Year Two - HND Industrial Biotechnology

  • Base Catalysed Organometallic Chemistry
  • Maths for Science 2
  • Quality health and Safety
  • Animal Plant & Cell Culture
  • DNA & Genetics
  • Protein Structure & Function
  • Chemical Engineering Principles
  • Heat Transfer
  • Instrumental Techniques
  • Aromatic Chemistry
  • Cell Biology
  • Microbiological Techniques
  • Chemical Engineering Applied Physical Chemistry
  • Graded Unit 2

Year Three - BSc Brewing and Distilling (after progressing to Heriot-Watt University)

  • Specialist courses in Food and Beverage Process Technology and Biotechnology.

Year Four - BSc (Hons) Brewing and Distilling

Focuses on particular aspects of the industry, including:

  • Cereal Technology
  • Yeast Biology and Fermentation
  • Beer Maturation
  • Distillation
  • Quality
  • Packaging Technology
  • Commercial Aspects of Brewing and Distilling

An independent research project allows students to apply their knowledge and skills gained throughout the programme.

The University has a pilot plant brewery and distillery, which is used for teaching the practical aspects of the subject through project work, and they also work closely with the Brewing and Distilling industry and every year key partners offer scholarships and industry experience opportunities to our students. These are the organisations who offered opportunities to their most recent intake of students:

  • Brewgooder
  • Scotch Whisky Association
  • Diageo 

Entry requirements

One of the following:

  • Two Highers at grade C or above (which should include Biology, Chemistry or Maths)
    Successful completion of a relevant access course or an appropriate group of National Qualification units
    Applicants who do not meet this criteria, but have relevant experience or alternative qualifications, will be considered

Additional Requirements:

  • Please note that selection will be made via a successful interview and group task

More Info

Please visit Heriot-Watt’s course webpage for more information about the course at years three and four - BSc (Hons) Brewing and Distilling, Edinburgh - Heriot-Watt University (hw.ac.uk)

You may also want to consider other routes to degree study from HND Industrial Biotechnology, please visit this webpage for more information: HND Industrial Biotechnology

Location

Falkirk Campus

Attendance

Full-Time

Start date

19 August 2024

End date

06 June 2025

SCQF Level

Level 8